Chanting Scripture Tower

Chanting Scripture Tower

The Chanting Scripture Tower is a National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit.

Chanting Scripture Tower (Fourth Batch of Provincial-Level Protected Sites)

Era: Ming Dynasty

Location: Lou’erdi Street, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan City

According to the 1843 (Daoguang 23rd year of Qing Dynasty) "Yangqu County Annals", in front of the Provincial Administration Commission, it was renovated in the 37th year of the Wanli era (1609) by Left Provincial Administration Commissioner Liu Lu. It is said that during the Ming Dynasty, when the autumn imperial examination results were announced, the top five scholars (Wu Jing Kui Shou) were proclaimed here, hence the name “Chanting Scripture Tower”. It served as the place where the rankings of imperial examination candidates were publicly announced since the Ming Dynasty. The existing structure mainly consists of the Chanting Scripture Tower, integrating the main hall, the Spring and Autumn Tower, and connecting corridors, forming a layout shaped like the Chinese character “工” (work).

The Chanting Scripture Tower faces south and was built during the Ming Dynasty. It is connected to the main hall via a long corridor and is a two-story wooden structure with a hip-and-gable roof featuring a cross design. The roof is edged with peacock-blue glazed tiles. The first floor has three bays in both width and depth, with a rolled shed porch on the central southern bay. The second floor also has three bays in width and one bay in depth, with a double-eaved design featuring a viewing balcony. Under the eaves are double-curved, five-step brackets. The building complex also includes a front hall and side halls, with the main hall at the center and side halls on both sides, forming a richly harmonious architectural ensemble. The structure is exquisitely designed, with elegant details and a strong traditional aesthetic.

In May 2013, the Chanting Scripture Tower was designated as part of the Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units.

Further Reading:

· Fourth Batch of Shanxi Provincial-Level Cultural Relics Protection Units

· Seventh Batch of National Key Cultural Relics Protection Units